HARBOR SPRINGS — High-school juniors and seniors in Harbor Springs who are interested in learning about local government have until Sept. 6 to apply for a seat on one of three of the city’s boards and commissions.

In July, the Harbor Springs City Council approved adding one non-voting position each to the Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority and Tree Advisory Board specifically to be filled by local students.

Application information was posted to the city’s website on Tuesday.

“We’ve already had a couple of calls and even before we put this out I had a couple of emails,” said city manager Victor Sinadinoski. “We have some interest coming in, yes.”

The seats are open to juniors or seniors who either attend Harbor Springs High School or live within the city limits of Harbor Springs. Students can apply for all three positions, but no student will be allowed to serve on more than one board. The student terms would last from September 2019 through June 2020.

The applications will be reviewed by city staff and board chairs, with a final recommendation made to the mayor for official appointment.

Sinadinoski said he anticipates students would be appointed by the city council’s mid-September meeting.

Once appointed, students would have all of the same responsibilities as the regular board and commission members, except they cannot vote. They will receive agenda materials and board packets prior to meetings for them to review and will be able to ask questions and participate in discussions.

Sinadinoski added that the applications require the signature of a school principal or counselor, and encouraged students to ask questions if they want to find out more about the various boards and commissions.

“We’re here for them to talk to and give them more information,” he said. “They can even come to a board meeting, if they want, beforehand to see how things play out there.”